As parents and caregivers of Black children, you have the power to be your child’s most effective advocate. Knowing your rights, who can support you, and what actions to take can make the difference.

During this panel discussion ways to navigate the school system and effectively advocate for your child will be explored. In addition, anti-Black racism within the school system, as well as strategies and tools to support your child's success in school, will be discussed.

This free event will be hosted via Zoom videoconferencing. Attendees will be emailed the link several hours before the start of the event in order to maintain a secure online space. This email will be sent to the address you registered with when you purchased your ticket through Eventbrite. If you have accessibility needs, please contact us directly.

Register online here

Panelists

Tess Porter

Tess is a Graduation Coach for Black Students at Woodroffe High School. She is a mentor and advisor for the students. She provides space for the students to voice their experiences to enable the district school board and secondary school to establish trusting relationships and responsive services. Prior to that, she worked as a Professor at Algonquin College in the Police and Public Safety Institute. Tess served on the Board of Directors for The Queensway Carleton Hospital, The Children’s Aid Society Immigrant Women Services Ottawa and also the Board of academic appeals at Algonquin College. She is passionate about student success.

Charline Grant

Charline is a trailblazer in the diversity, equity and inclusion field, and a fierce advocate for racialized children. She currently sits on the York Children’s Aid Society Board, representing the needs of Black parents and children. She is also the first person to occupy the position of Provincial Education System Navigator for Parents of Black Children, helping parents navigate the oppressive education system. Charline was the chief advocate in the fight to include hate-related incidents in the professional misconduct criteria for the Ontario College of Teachers, and successfully secured this change. She is leading the charge for education reform. In addition to her advocacy, Charline is a business-owner, board member and advisor for a number of organizations & nonprofits. She is dedicated, resilient and passionate about standing up against racism and hate in all forms. Charline is also a wife and the proud mother to three amazing children Ziphion, Kezia, and Eleazar.

Beatrice Ocquaye

Beatrice Ocquaye started her work in education as an advocate for high school students of African descent over 20 years ago. Since then, as a classroom teacher and now an administrator, she is committed to developing productive partnerships between parents, students and the school system, in order to realize the full potential of her students and the hopes and dreams of their families.

Mante Molepo

Mante is an equity and anti-racism advisor, founding member and Director of Parents for Diversity. She works on anti-racism in education, including developing provincial guidelines for teaching anti-Black racism. Mante also works with companies, nonprofits and governments on issues related to anti-oppression.